Aging leads to the deterioration of brain cells, some of which can become permanently destroyed. As a result, “brain atrophy” or “cognitive decline” occurs, which can cause dementia.
It’s a complicated process. Genetic factors can cause cognitive decline, but sometimes it's manageable. Hearing loss treatment is one of the ways you can slow down or prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. Treating high blood pressure, reducing your alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, managing depression, taking action if you are socially isolated, and exercising are all risk factors you can control. If you experience hearing loss and dementia, will hearing aids help? According to The Lancet, older adults who practiced hearing aid usage and regularly received help from a hearing healthcare provider lowered their dementia risks by 50% over three years. The lowered risk included people with other risk factors for dementia (heart disease, social isolation, and physical inactivity). An indiscriminate controlled trial studied how treating hearing loss impacted dementia. The test subjects in this study used hearing aids, a hearing “toolkit” which helped the individual manage their hearing loss, and continued instruction and counseling with a hearing healthcare professional. After three years, the results indicated that the intervention lowered the rate of anticipated cognitive decline for adults between 70 and 84 years old. These benefits only included people with hearing loss and additional risks like dementia, heart disease, lower levels of education, and reduced physically active lifestyle. The primary conclusion is that anyone with hearing loss, especially if they are older, should get a hearing checkup and treat any symptoms. There are no risks to intervening to take care of your hearing. According to the Journal of American Medical Association-Neurology, wearing hearing aids can effectively reduce the risks of cognitive decline. Another study by the Journal of American Geriatrics Society revealed that using hearing aids delayed the onset of cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, social isolation, and falls that can lead to injuries/hospitalizations. This study was not a randomized controlled trial. The results could have been due to other reasons: some hearing aid wearers have higher incomes, allowing them to access better medical care. The Best Hearing Aids for Dementia There isn’t one particular hearing aid or assistive listening device that helps with dementia, but there are multiple types and styles of hearing aids that can improve symptoms. Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Research what hearing aids work best for that loved one. Discuss your concerns about them with a professional hearing aid provider. Your loved one’s daily routines, specific listening needs, and abilities will be incorporated when selecting hearing aids. Contact one of our hearing instrument specialists from Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation. National D/deaf Awareness Month is recognized in the US every September. During this month, people celebrate and advocate for the D/deaf community. Awareness specific to the issues, people, and culture of the D/deaf community is the primary focus.
The D/deaf and HoH (Hard of Hearing) Community There’s a diversity by which people in the D/deaf community choose to identify themselves. 1. Something to think about is how a person becomes deaf or Hard of Hearing (HoH). 2. The range of hearing, age of onset, educational background, means of communication, and cultural identity may be part of their identity. There’s a personal level of how each person relates to one another and labels themselves. Some are content with the phrase “people with hearing loss.” Others born deaf or HoH don’t consider themselves as someone who “lost” their sense of hearing. Different terminology that is inclusive is acceptable include: “deaf,” “Deaf,” and “hard of hearing.” “Deaf” vs. “deaf” The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) differentiates “Deaf” and “deaf” as such: the uppercase Deaf refers to a particular group of deaf people who share a language - American Sign Language (ASL) and a culture. The lowercase deaf refers to the audiological condition. A person with mild-to-moderate hearing loss or someone who is deaf but doesn’t have or desire a cultural affiliation with the Deaf community may identify as HoH. Each person may identify through an audiological or cultural context based on their level of comfort, means of communication, and acceptance. However they choose to identify themselves, they should all feel welcome within the community and in society. Sign Language is Unique across the Globe The World Federation of the Deaf found that there are over 200 languages signed around the world. Sign language is not a universal language. Just as with spoken languages, variations of sign language have developed within countries and communities. There are even differences in sign languages among countries with the same or similar spoken language. For example, English sign language includes American Sign Language (ASL), Australian Sign Language (Auslan), and British Sign Language (BSL). Spanish Sign Language (LSE or SSL) differs in the Americas and Europe. SSL is signed in every part of Spain, except in Catalonia - the people there use Catalan Sign Language (CSL) - and in Valencia, where they use Valencian Sign Language (VSL). In Mexico, Mexican Sign Language (MSL) is practiced. Ways to Support the D/deaf and HoH Communities
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and believe hearing aids might be an appropriate solution, contact one of our hearing instrument specialists for a hearing test and consultation. All modern digital hearing aids feature Bluetooth® technology so that your Apple and Android phones, TVs, tablets, and other devices with audio can connect to your hearing aids.
Earlier hearing aid styles forced users to choose between wearing their hearing aids to hear or removing their hearing aids and replacing them with earbuds or a headset. Wireless hearing aids use Bluetooth® to link your electronic devices and stream the sounds to hearing aids. Hearing aids and Bluetooth® Multiple leading technology firms developed Bluetooth®. It’s a wireless communication that transfers data between at least two electronic devices. Radio waves set to a high frequency to transmit data without hindrance or risks to security can pair with Bluetooth®. Devices such as computers, mobile phones, music players, tablets, and TV now use Bluetooth®. Hearing aids for the iPhone®. There has been a patent developed by Apple to connect Bluetooth® with hearing aids. That means certain hearing aids can connect with the iOS platform that controls iPhones, iPads, and iPods. This technology lets devices connect directly without draining too much battery power. The majority of hearing aid manufacturers make hearing aids that use Bluetooth® - marketed as Made for iPhone™. Hearing aids for the Android Phone. Google is developing a standard hearing aid compatibility platform for Android. Many hearing aid brands can stream Android-based phones that are 10.0 or more. Can’t connect your hearing aids? Not all hearing aids feature direct streaming from the smartphone to the hearing aids. If that’s the case for you, wireless hearing aids can connect to a compatible listening device (AKA streamers) which provides a communication link for the wireless technology and hearing aids as long as it has Bluetooth®. You can pair digital hearing aids with a streamer. The streamer connects to an external device. The streamer harnesses the Bluetooth® signal and transmits it to the hearing aid using an FM signal or electromagnetic field. The streamer can be donned around your neck or stored in your pocket, giving you a hands-free experience. Talk to your hearing aid provider about the options suitable for you. Bluetooth® is one of the top technologies that’s prevalent today. Bluetooth® has helped make hearing aids ultra-customized for people’s listening needs. Not only is it convenient to use, but it helps by tailoring people’s unique listening needs. Stay connected with others by contacting one of our hearing instrument specialists from Pure Sound Hearing. |
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